Guest Speaker Report
by
Rotarian Peter Douglas
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Our guest speaker was Richard Dabinett whose subject was ‘What Life Dishes Out’. Richard was introduced by PP Keith Stockall.
Richard has become an author of books especially written for children. This in itself is a magnificent achievement in that up to 4 years ago he was both illiterate and a sufferer of dyslexia.
Richard was working as a roustabout/cleaner when he became unemployed. Taking advantage of federal government initiatives he went on to the ‘New Start’ programme and then enrolled in TAFE where he was the oldest student. He learnt to both read and write and started writing fictional essays aimed at the younger brigade. Along the way he learnt to use a computer.
With his first books, which he arranged his own printing and publishing, he approached his local book store who reluctantly agreed to take a minimal quantity to gauge the market. Initial sales were rather slow so somehow Richard was able to convince Alan Jones of the worth of these initial books. There was an immediate response and demand grew dramatically and more books are now in the pipeline.
Richard makes the point that if you really want something and a prepared to give it your all then you can do it.
Richard also noted that he had won a Rotary award for the most outstanding literary person in NSW at TAFE.
After questions Richard was thanked by (TAFE Librarian) Janelle Watson.